GEORGESGEORGES RIVER RIVER COUNCIL COUNCIL

COMMUNITYSPRING EDITION 2020

CAPTURING NATURE: Early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893

WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU f GeorgesRiverCouncil i @grcouncil MAYOR'S MESSAGE

maintenance and improvement of waterway health in response to a submission received from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

We also received significant feedback on the proposed Foreshore Scenic Protection Area (FSPA) raising concerns about the implications of reducing the land within the FSPA in the former Hurstville LGA. The independent Georges River Local Planning Panel carefully considered the information in the planning report and took the time to understand the issues raised in the written and verbal submissions. The independent Georges River Local Planning Panel resolved that the existing Foreshore Scenic Protection Area as As many of you will be aware, in June the independent identified in the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012 will Georges River Local Planning Panel (GRLPP) considered be retained, and former Kogarah LGA foreshore localities will the outcomes of the public exhibition and finalisation of the be added. Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2020 (GRLEP 2020). Based on feedback provided by our community a The timing of the public exhibition of the draft GRLEP 2020 number of variations were made to the GRLEP 2020. was difficult – it was scheduled to begin just as the initial lockdown started due to COVID-19, and our legal obligations Among some significant amendments was the removal to the NSW Government meant that we had a clear deadline of proposed acquisitions of residential properties in to meet to submit the draft. Kingsgrove. These proposed acquisitions were to address the shortage of open space within the northern section of We appreciate how frustrating this was for many of you, the Local Government Area. The need for increased open however we worked hard to make the information available to space in the northern portion of the local government area our community. We extended the deadline for the exhibition (LGA) was a recommendation of the Georges River Local period and delivered a series of online engagement sessions Strategic Planning Statement. so we could hear from you and, in turn, you could hear from the people in our Planning team so they could better explain We are grateful for the community feedback received about some of the intricacies of the draft plan. this proposal. It was made clear that the community did not want these acquisitions to go ahead and the planning Council is genuinely grateful for the level of interest and staff considered the issues raised and recommended to engagement during this process. This is how we get things the Local Planning Panel that the acquisitions of the six done – by working together for outcomes that are the right properties for open space do not proceed with this LEP. ones for our community members. I strongly encourage The independent Georges River Local Planning Panel people to get involved in future planning by signing up for our supported this recommendation. This is what community Your Say e-newsletter which will keep you up to date with engagement is all about, and we will continue to work with the latest consultations and public exhibitions. Go to yoursay. you to develop the most appropriate solutions for our area’s georgesriver.nsw.gov.au changing needs. Kevin Greene Another variation included to the GRLEP 2020 was the Mayor, Georges River Council insertion of an additional aim relating to the protection,

Information and events in this publication are current at the time of printing. Subsequent changes may occur. Georges River Council does not guarantee that this publication is without flaw or wholly appropriate for your purposes. It and its employees expressly disclaim any liability, for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, suffered by any person as the result of or arising from reliance on any information contained in the publication.

Georges River Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land in which the Georges River Local Government Area is situated - the Biddegal people of the Eora nation.

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CONTENTS

4. YOUR COUNCIL Citizen Advice Group will guide the approach for New Rates 2021 Spark Your Park 5. Is your pet microchipped and registered? Log it-Fix it Wet weather update subscription 6. Watch these public spaces! 7. Council partners with GoGet to bring car share trial to Georges River 8. BUSINESS Expert Recovery Panel Georges River Business 9. Council partners with UTS students to map entrepreneurial ecosystem 10. Outdoor dining just got easier for businesses 11. ENVIRONMENT Council sets new climate pledges 12. COMMUNITY Healthcare worker in Kingsgrove happy to help 13. New youth centre breaks ground 14. 20 community grants awarded to local organisations 16. ART AND CULTURE Have you seen the new mural at Hurstville? 17. In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020 18. Capturing Nature: Early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893 20. Georges River Youth Literature Award 21. LOCAL HISTORY Marathon dancing craze in the 1920s brought the sport to the streets 22. What’s in a name? Kogarah 23. WHAT'S ON

Be involved in important projects by contributing to Council decisions that shape the future of the Georges River area.

YOUR Your feedback matters! Register via Council’s website at SAY yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 3 YOUR COUNCIL

Citizen Advice Group will guide the approach for New Rates 2021

Last year our community told us it supported the increase. The first step in understanding this is the creation harmonisation of the rates systems from the former Hurstville of a Citizen Advice Group. Made up of a diverse mix of and Kogarah Councils. There was also support for a rate community residents and business owners from across all increase to ensure the existing services we value could wards, this group will provide advice to Council on the new be maintained. The harmonisation is planned for 2021 rates for 2021 and provide Council some initial ideas about but given the new environment we find ourselves in, we what services are most valued by the community in the want to understand if the community prefers a staged rate event Council must cut costs. peg increase over a number of years instead of a one off

Spark Your Park kicks off at Empress Reserve, Hurstville

Our first Spark Your Park event at Empress Reserve in Hurstville on Wednesday 26 August was greeted with a warm and sunny winter’s day, which made the planting and watering all the more enjoyable for those who took part.

15 volunteers from the surrounding area came to help us plant a fine selection of native trees, shrubs and grasses including Blueberry Ash, Bottle Brush and varieties of Lomandra. Once established these plants will help bolster the area’s green space, while adding to the visual appeal of the reserve.

Council hopes to run more of these events in the near future as a way to engage the local community in the greening of local parks and reserves throughout the Georges River area.

To get involved in a project near you, visit the volunteering page on Council’s website at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/volunteering.

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Log it-Fix it

We’re committed to maintaining a Is your pet microchipped clean and safe community. You can help us care for it by raising issues that you identify, such as illegally and registered? dumped rubbish, park maintenance requirements or potholes. Registering your pet ensures Council will be able to contact you, should they be lost and found. If a pet is not registered, Council has no option but to transfer The best way to report an issue is via the animal to a shelter. our Log it-Fix it online form. Log it-Fix it ensures the request and information Registration requires a once-only payment which covers your pet for its lifetime goes straight to the appropriate team. in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership. You are also provided a reference number which means you can track Microchipping and registration is a two-step process that requires dog and cat your request. owners to: When you log an issue, please include 1. Have the pet microchipped by 12 weeks of age by a vet or accredited implanter. as much detail as possible so we can 2. Lifetime Register the pet by 6 months of age. easily find the location and arrange appropriate follow up. For more information, visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Services/Regulatory-Services/Animals-and-Pets Go to Log it-Fix it on Council’s Spark Your Park kicks off at website. Empress Reserve, Hurstville Wet weather update subscription

Has it been raining? Wondering if sport is on or not? Sign up for our new subscription service which will let you know whether local turf fields are open or closed. Choose to receive notifications via text, email or both!

Go to www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/sportsfields-in-wet- weather and hit ‘subscribe’.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 5 YOUR COUNCIL

Watch these public spaces!

We were recently successful in securing grant funding from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s 'Streets as Shared Spaces' program, which will help deliver pop-ups and pilots that encourage social distancing and improve the attractiveness of our neighbourhoods.

$50,000 will go towards helping improve pedestrian amenity in Kogarah through traffic calming measures, public art, lighting and street furniture and $350,000 will help convert Forest Road in Hurstville into a more pedestrian-friendly location. We’ll be engaging the community on these proposed designs again soon. Check them out!

6 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL Council partners with GoGet to bring car share trial to Georges River

Council has partnered with GoGet to run a 12-18 month to inform a Car Share Policy for the Georges River car share trial across ten locations in Hurstville and area. Providing car sharing options supports Council’s Kogarah, which were selected based on accessibility, draft Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040, which proximity to high density residential buildings and proximity shares a vision to reduce the number of cars in the local to public transport. area with an active car share economy, and this is a significant step forward to achieving this. Car sharing provides local residents with access to a range of vehicles located near to where members live or work. Local businesses can join the service free of charge and All car costs including petrol, insurance and registration are book cars by the hour or the day. For information on how covered by GoGet, a competitive alternative to personal to sign up as a business or an individual member, visit car ownership for both businesses and households. the GoGet website. Council will provide a mix of on-street car parking for authorised car share vehicles during the trial, which will test the level of demand and interest for this service locally

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 7 BUSINESS

Expert Recovery Panel ____ We have recently formed an Economic Recovery Panel to help guide our city to “Working with Council we will identify economic success. The panel supports the what global best practice can contribute commitment Council has to support our to supporting local businesses and community and local businesses in the light we’ll also provide a conduit to decision- of the impacts of COVID-19. makers who can help champion the council’s long-term vision for the local The panel members are highly regarded by their peers and have been selected based on their expertise. They area, solidifying its place within Greater include Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director, Sydney Sydney,” said Mr Waterford. Business Chamber; Dr Robert Lang, Chairman at Regional Development Australia; and Eamon Waterford, Deputy CEO The first meeting was held recently with some recommendations and Director of Policy at Committee for Sydney. already actioned, including incentives for outdoor dining with six months fee-free, and support for businesses to increase their Mr Waterford said the panel members are delighted to capability and, where possible, removing potential barriers. The be collaborating with Georges River Council to contribute panel will continue providing suggestions for further investigation practical suggestions and advice, as well bold ideas that and discussion to help shape and influence the ongoing success will help Council buoy the local economy through this of the Georges River area, and will be active for approximately challenging period. six months, with the view to extend to 12 months.

Georges River Business We have launched a new online tool for local businesses to advertise products and services, connect with other businesses and gain access to a range of local events and professional development opportunities. It’s free!

Register your business at georgesriverbusiness.com.au and give your business more opportunity to thrive.

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UTS students learn about doing business in Sydney's South

Council partners with UTS students to map entrepreneurial ecosystem

Council has partnered with “We identified a large trend of individuals seeking higher employment outside of the University of Technology the local area and a similar trend with (UTS) Sydney ANSTO, businesses that start off as small within Regional Development the professional services line of work, and tend to seek larger office spaces Australia (RDA) Sydney and within other districts as they grow. Southern Sydney councils, to map the Southern Sydney “This could be addressed to make positive changes to other aspects of Innovation Ecosystem. the communities. The group that I was in played around with the concept of a Students studying a Diploma in large hub, with enough space for many Innovation at UTS Sydney’s Faculty businesses to work. of Transdisciplinary Innovation were invited to take part in the project, which “This space would also offer the was integrated into their coursework. opportunity to equip high school or We spoke to student Connor Keogh university students with facilities and about his experience, and what he training programs that could enhance learned about doing business in their development and provide Sydney’s South. internship opportunities local to and within the Georges River District. “Performing analysis on key stakeholders of the ecosystems ____ allowed us, as students, to grasp knowledge on the factors that affect “I liked most the businesses. opportunity to “This new-found knowledge would communicate directly not have been accessible in other with councils acting university classes prior for me and for as the clients for the others, and would just be conveyed as a concept. research being completed, a life lesson that will “Here, we were able to see changes happening, not only to grasp the unquestionably assist with knowledge, but also to comprehend engineering work in the why these effects are coming into play. future.” BUSINESS Outdoor dining just got easier for businesses

Aimed at encouraging and life on the streets with our outdoor Licence fees will be waived from 1 seating. March, 2020 until 31 December, 2020 increased outdoor dining, for all existing outdoor dining licence outdoor dining fees and This gesture demonstrates that council holders, and there is a six month rent- charges are being waived or understands our struggle, and makes free period for all new applications us feel that we are part of a supporting received for the remainder of 2020. adjusted for a period of up to community that wants our business to six months. succeed,” said Tina. Any new application for outdoor dining ____ received from 1 January 2021 and We hope to increase the dining for the 2021/2022 financial year, will capacity of local restaurants and cafes receive a four-month rent free period. and also reinvigorate local centres in “I would highly encourage the wake of COVID-19 restrictions. for other business to For more information go to the Business section of council’s website Tina Angelidis of recently opened take up this opportunity. and click on ‘Apply – Business use of chocolate shop and café Adora in It will also test whether Footpath’. Oatley, said that having the outdoor this concept will suit their dining fees waived for six months during this period is crucial. business moving forward. It’s a great opportunity,” “Starting a new business in the area, she added. we wanted to create a community feel

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Council sets new climate pledges

Georges River Council is the first council panels by 100%, which is a saving of around $22,000 in in New South Wales to set five new energy bills per year. sustainable goals after meeting all of its We have also promoted the uptake of renewable power initial commitments in the Cities Power options in households, purchased two electric vehicles and Partnership, Australia’s largest network of certified our summer events as carbon neutral. While these are significant achievements, there is still much work to do cities and towns taking action on climate as Council works towards a more sustainable future, and by change. committing to five new climate pledges, we ensure continued progress. The new pledges will support the community to reduce their carbon footprint by fast-tracking the uptake of renewables, We will now focus on promoting sustainable practices at a and continue Council’s ongoing work to drive changes within community level, as it is only with this collective support that its operations to achieve its 100% renewable energy target we will truly be able to realise our goals for a sustainable by 2025, and work towards net zero carbon emissions. future that is more resilient to climate and economic shocks.

Council was one of the first to achieve all pledges out of 128 councils in the Cities Power Partnership. This has seen a number of sustainable changes to Council’s operations across the past year, including increasing our use of solar

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 11 COMMUNITY

Loren Squadrito at Kingsgrove Community Centre Healthcare worker in Kingsgrove happy to help

Healthcare worker Loren Squadrito has If you need to get tested for COVID-19, visit one of been on the frontline testing Georges River the following local testing clinics: residents at the Kingsgrove COVID-19 The Kingsgrove drive-through testing clinic is now re-located drive-through testing clinic. We spoke to to Riverwood

Loren about her experience and how she has Riverwood drive-through testing clinic adapted her skills to help out other healthcare Riverwood Park, 79 Coleridge Street, Riverwood. Mayor of Georges River Council Kevin Greene with Site Supervisors from Georges River Council and Project Coordination (Youth Centre) workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those wishing to attend the Medlab Pathology drive- “I have had a very positive experience while working at the through clinic in Riverwood require a doctor’s referral before drive-through testing clinic, people are friendly and many attendance. This can be obtained by phoning your GP and people come from both within and outside the local area for requesting that a referral be emailed or faxed to Medlab testing,” said Loren. Pathology at [email protected] or 8745 6567. For further information, call Medlab Pathology on 8745 6500. “I usually work as a Pathology Collector, and working at the drive-through testing facility has definitely been different Hurstville Community Health Centre (no referral required) and challenging from what I am used to, but in saying so I’m 34 Woniora Rd, Hurstville happy as I get to help the community as well as assist other 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday - Friday health care workers. 9.00am - 2.00pm Weekends (closed on public holidays) Phone: 9113 2150 “The Georges River area was selected for a pop-up testing site because of its relatively low rates of testing, as well as St George Hospital its high population, and we need as many people to keep Clinical Services Building (access via Gate 3), Kensington getting tested for COVID-19 so that we can continue to Street, Kogarah manage the pandemic in Australia. 8.00am - 6.00pm daily. Phone: 9113 1766 ____ “If you have symptoms including fever, cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, you should seek medical advice from your doctor, and get tested,” added Loren.

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This park will meet the needs of the whole community, with something for everyone.

Loren Squadrito at Kingsgrove Community Centre

Mayor of Georges River Council Kevin Greene with Site Supervisors from Georges River Council and Project Coordination (Youth Centre) New youth centre breaks ground Construction of Council’s new local youth groups and services, along outdoor exercise station, accessible with the other transformational works amenities and change rooms, car park youth centre in Penshurst occurring at the site. upgrade and a synthetic sports field is underway, which will offer with hydraulic cricket wicket. a new supportive space for Council’s vision for Penshurst Park is taking shape, and will not only see this This park will meet the needs of the young people in the Georges site become a regional sporting hub whole community, with something for River area to come together. for use by a wide variety of sporting everyone. It also includes the recently groups, but also a multi-use facility for completed Penshurst Park Inclusive the whole community to make use of Adventure Playground which opened in The youth centre, which is set to open and enjoy. June with picnic and barbecue facilities, in March 2021, will enable a range of shelters, seating and new inclusive actives with a training kitchen, half- The youth centre is part of the Stage 2 play equipment to accommodate all court basketball facility and multi-use of the project, which will also see the ages and abilities. spaces for meetings and events. construction of a 275-seat grandstand, The centre will be a great asset for

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 13 COMMUNITY

20 community grants awarded to local organisations

Street Smart Project, Street Industries Inc. 20 new community grants were awarded to “We’ve seen negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health as well as an local organisations via an online presentation increase in anti-social behaviour, including substance use in July. The grants included the new Micro and misuse. Some young people have become a lot more Grants program, Capacity Building grants and socially isolated. Connected Communities grants, with a total “Through the Street Smart Project the team has built of $123,158 in funding of between $1,000 and rapport with young people and linked them with the appropriate services to meet their needs. We’re promoting $25,000 individual grants awarded. pro-social behaviours, harm reduction strategies and raising awareness of the risks associated with substance Funds will support projects and initiatives that address misuse. community needs, solve local issues, and encourage community participation and social connections. “We’ve been using diversionary activities to engage at-risk young people and diverting their attention away from risky The Micro Grants program empowers individuals in the behaviours through music, art, sport and excursions. We Georges River area to support community wellbeing, also promote positive behaviours and health choices, innovation and social change at a grassroots level. including diet, physical activity, mental health strategies and how to access support and other opportunities. Samey Minkara, CEO and Founder of Street Industries Inc. said the funding has assisted them in staffing for their Street ____ Smart Project, and provided resources for Youth Outreach Events. “This funding is incredibly important, as it allows us to have a presence on the “The funding has enabled the team to provide regular outreach in the community, coordinate services to support streets and support young people doing socially excluded young people and build the capacity of it tough, and our work improves their young people to become active citizens in our community,” said Samey. sense of belonging and connection to the community,” Samey added.

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Congratulations to the successful applicants listed below:

ORGANISATION PROJECT TITLE GRANT

Connected Communities category - 2 projects

Street Industries Inc. Street Smart Project early intervention program for at risk $20,000 young people

Kogarah RSL Sub-Branch Youth Club Junior Jellybeans social connectedness program for children $10,000 with disabilities and their parents

Capacity Building category - 16 projects

St George Family Support Services Inc. Replacement of phone system to deliver essential family $7,700 support services in Georges River

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Communication equipment for people with disability $9,820

Cass Care Ltd Development of a therapeutic Sensory Room $5,400

Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW Rescue vessel equipment upgrade $5,831

Learning Links Supporting children with learning disabilities and difficulties in $8,615 the Georges River community

St George Men’s Shed Inc. Improvement of air quality and dust control in the Men’s Shed $2,850 workspaces

St George Children with Disabilities Music therapy and life enhancing support for children with $10,000 Fund Inc. severe disabilities

Hurstville Senior Citizens Computer Purchase of two computers for seniors computer training $2,200 Club Inc. classes

3Bridges Community Ltd Portable toilet and shower CarePort unit at the 3Bridges $10,000 Carss Park office for older, frail aged and vulnerable people

Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre Inc. Defibrillator in the common area of Kingsgrove $3,690 Community Centre

Anglican Church Property Trust Environmental sustainability project to install a 9.9kw solar $5,000 Diocese of Sydney – St Mark’s panel system at the St Mark's Church building Anglican Church South Hurstville

St George Art Society Recording and display AV equipment to record artists to $1,050 support live, recorded and streamed artist workshops

Norm and Beryl Butters Senior Citizens Installation of a split system air conditioning unit in the $4,550 Centre (Formerly Oatley Senior Norm and Beryl Butters Senior Citizens Centre (Formerly Citizens Centre). Oatley Senior Citizens Centre).

Integricare Parenting workshop program for families experiencing $3,152 domestic and family violence

Kogarah Community Services Inc. Enhanced technology to improve the service provided to our $10,000 clients and community care workers to deliver quality care and improve staff productivity

Connells Point Sailing Club Inc. Support for volunteer first aid training $1,300

Micro Grants category - 2 projects

Chinese Parents Association - Children Educational cruise on the Georges River for children with $1,000 with Disabilities Inc. disabilities and their caregivers

Crateful Group Australia Ltd Vehicle expenses to support pop up hamper distribution for $1,000 vulnerable Georges River residents to provide affordable fresh produce and household goods

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 15 ART AND CULTURE

Have you seen the new mural at Hurstville?

MAN. De in front of her mural on MacMahon Street

The colourful celebration of our area’s creating liveable spaces within our urban centres that reflect native flora and fauna has helped transform the area’s location and unique culture. the public space on MacMahon Street. Council’s Public Art Policy enables collaboration with artists to produce high-quality public art, and this colourful mural is The mural’s creator Mandy Schöne-Salter, a.k.a MAN. just the beginning of our plan to showcase art and culture in De says that she wants the mural, with its larger than life the city. flora and fauna, to influence and encourage community connections with nature in an urban setting. If you have a location in mind for a public artwork, you can let us know. Email [email protected] “We have this innate affiliation to nature and when we’re surrounded by it, or even viewing scenes of nature, it reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. ____

“Through the mural, I wanted to highlight the importance of the relationship between nature and humans,” added MAN.De.

The creation of public art is a direct response to the Create Georges River Cultural Strategy and the Hurstville Place Strategy, both of which identify public art as central to

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A showcase of the work by four artists who took part in our Artists in Residence program

MAN. De in front of her mural on MacMahon Street Carss Park Lifesavers Hall - afternoon light In the park: Georges River Artist in Residence 2020 Throughout the month of October, The Carss Park Artist’s Cottage, in the Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s latest former ranger’s house, provides a studio exhibition In the park: Georges River and accommodation in a picturesque Artist in Residence 2020, will showcase bush setting on the Georges River. the work of four artists who took part The Artist in Residence program aims in Council’s residency at Carss Park to foster connections and interactions Artist’s Cottage over the past two years. between people, introducing artists, experiences and opportunities to the The diverse exhibition features Georges River community. works by Helen Amanatiadis, Emma Davidson, Sofie Dieu and Georges River Council selected 15 Tess Mehonoshen, showcasing a artists to participate in the Artist in range of artistic mediums including Residence program from 2018-2020, photographs, works on paper, printing, with artists for the 2021-2022 program weaving and felt. to be announced shortly.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 17 ART AND CULTURE

Capturing Nature - birds nest Capturing Nature - fish CAPTURING NATURE: Early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893

Drawn from the Australian Museum’s the specimens photographed at the early Australian science, images extensive archival collection of over Museum were taken by the taxidermist, of Australian fauna at a time of 15,000 plate glass negatives, Capturing Henry Barnes and his son, along with great enthusiasm for science and Nature showcases the scientific the help of the Australian Museum’s classification, and the story of one of discoveries made by early Australian pioneering curator, Gerard Krefft. the greatest inventions - photography. scientists between the 1850s and 1890s. These images are some of The exhibition reveals the importance Australia’s earliest natural history of early glass plate photography as a photographs. Combining science and means of capturing history and science. A touring exhibition created by the art, they tell the story of pioneering Photography was an expensive and Australian Museum. research as well as the advent of complicated process, so every photo photography in Australia. was carefully planned, with the animals and specimens being prepared, posed The large images, period cameras and and positioned for the best natural light other items included in the exhibition, and least shadow. bring to life subjects ranging from a large sunfish to a gorilla, and even the Capturing Nature brings to life a fragile bones of a flamingo. Most of unique and fascinating record of

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Capturing Nature - flamingo bones

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 19 ART AND CULTURE

Georges River Youth Literature Award

This year we launched the Georges Winner: Runner-up: River Youth Literature Award (GRYLA), Pay Grade by Robin Bedward The Gift of Life by Athena Jiang an annual creative writing short story (Year 10) (Year 10) competition that aims to capture the aspirations and experiences of young Pay Grade Gift of Life people in Years 7-12 who live, study or After five years of being away from In 2018, Angela Jane Mitchell made play in the Georges River area. "The Firm", Gurney finds himself a decision that would change her life pursuing his target, a young woman forever. Angela ignored the "MIND Entrants were given a quote by Miles in her early twenties who had seen THE GAP" warning screaming at her Franklin and an image of a girl standing something she shouldn't have. As from the edge of the platform, and on a train platform as stimulus for we weave through the crowd of determinedly stepped in front of an their story. Each entry was awarded a metropolis train station with the oncoming train. Incredibly, through marks based on four criteria: originality, protagonist, Mike Gurney, we learn strength and determination, Angela language, structure, and integration of more about his character with each survived and now learns how to come the writing stimulus, with one winner step and sip of cocoa he takes and to terms with her past. This heartfelt and one runner-up being selected. question if somebody really can short story is about choices, hope, and change who they are. second chances. Through the judging process, we were able to select one winner and one runner-up. Thank you to all entrants for their participation and congratulations to the winner and runner-up! To read the winning stories, visit georgesriverreads.blog

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Come and explore our Museum & Gallery

Queen’s Theatre in Forest Road, Hurstville, where Don Young the marathon dancer gave special demonstrations of his dancing technique on 4, 5 and 6 June 1928

He didn’t stop there, going on to set a record for ‘step- dancing’ for 35¾ hours on 14 July 1928, breaking a record Marathon held by an American of 10½ hours. Imagine 35 hours of Riverdance! Understandably, he went on to teach dancing at dancing craze the Roselands Ballroom in New York. Later that year another man danced from Strathfield to Bondi, with an orchestra on the back of a lorry supplying the music. in the 1920s The lorry driver was fined 2/6d by police for delaying traffic. A keen marathon dancer also danced the 80km from Geelong to Melbourne that same year. brought the There was an occupational hazard for the female dance sport to the partners - they wore out their stockings! streets

Can you imagine strapping on your dancing shoes and ballroom dancing all the way from Hurstville to Martin Place? Well, that’s exactly what 20-year-old Don Young from West Kogarah did in 1928!

The late 1920s saw a craze for dance marathons, and Don ballroom-danced a whopping 22km from Hurstville to Martin Place inside three hours on Saturday 16 June 1928, despite being stopped by the police several times.

He also set a World Record for Marathon Dancing on 18 May 1928, where he danced for 123½ hours, accompanied by seven pianists and two phonographs, at the Palais Grande in Rockdale.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 21 LOCAL HISTORY

Railway Parade in circa 1912 What’s in a name? KOGARAH

The name ‘Kogarah’ comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of reeds’, and refers to the vegetation around Kogarah Bay. Remnant shellfish middens indicate one source of food enjoyed by the indigenous inhabitants of the area prior to white settlement. Lime-burners in the early 19th century exploited the shell middens in the production of lime for cement. White settlement of the area was slow to occur, and followed the construction in 1840 of Cooks River Dam which allowed the road south to proceed.

Early buildings in the area included St Paul’s Anglican Church, constructed in Victorian Gothic style in 1869, St Patrick’s RC Church, designed by the prominent architects Steam tram in Railway Parade circa 1930 Sheerin and Hennessy, which opened in 1888, and the nucleus of the area around the Gardener’s Arms Hotel, Gardener’s Arms Hotel, built in the 1860s on the corner of shifted to Railway Parade. Civic buildings such as the Post Rocky Point Road and Princes Highway, where the very first Office, Municipal Chambers, and the beautifully-preserved meeting of Kogarah Council was held. School of Arts (1887) graced the municipality. What began as St George’s Cottage Hospital in 1894 grew into what Development of Kogarah prior to the 1880s was hindered for is now the area’s primary employer, St George Hospital, a many years by the state of the roads, but was accelerated major teaching hospital serving the south of Sydney. by the arrival of the railway in 1884 which linked the areas south of Cooks River. Newspaper reports of the time praised Market gardening was a feature of the suburb, and many of the district’s ‘fresh green paddocks with their shades of the gardens were tended by Chinese workers. A remnant trees…beautiful orchards and neat homelike cottages.’ market garden off Toomevara Lane is State heritage-listed. The railway line was extended across the Georges River at Como the following year. Transport links at one time included a steam tram service, which ran from Kogarah railway station to Sans Souci. The Kogarah was proclaimed a municipality on 23 December steam-trams had coal-burning engines, and they operated 1885, and land speculators went to work, subdividing for fifty years, from 1887 to 1937. They were subsequently estates. Housing began to spread on either side of the replaced by a trolley-bus service, which was in business railway line, and eastward towards the bay. The former until 1959, before its replacement with diesel buses.

22 | READ ONLINE AT WWW.GEORGESRIVER.NSW.GOV.AU GEORGES RIVER COUNCIL What's on For more information or to check out all of our events, please visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

COUNCIL'S COVID SAFE EVENTS

Shop local and win $100!

Spend over $30 in one transaction at any local small business in the Georges River area and go into the draw to win one of 12 weekly $100 gift cards.

Railway Parade in circa 1912 How it works: • Spend $30 locally • Go to yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au What’s in a name? • Upload a copy of your receipt • Go in the draw to win! Join us for a STRANGER THINGS movie marathon! KOGARAH Competition commences on Sunday 4 October 2020. Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit: yoursay.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2020 7.00pm - 10.00pm (entry from 5:00pm) ‘The Frightful Eighties’ Drive-in Movie Marathon Donnelly Park, Connells Point FIRST IN BEST DRESSED

For Halloween wewww.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au are partnering withf insert GeorgesRiverCouncil local schooli @grcouncil and date in line with the Department of Education’s ‘Share Our Space’ campaign to host a free, ticketed drive-in movie marathon screening of ‘Stranger Things’. The theme is ‘Halloween and the 80s’ including a best-dressed competition for vehicles – that’s right – for your car! You might drive a Vampire Valiant, Killer Kia, Terrifying Toyota, Horrific Holden, Fanged Falcon, Monster Mitsubishi or a Necrotic Nissan!

Attendees will be in their own vehicles, allowing for physical distancing, and take-away food will be available.

COMMUNITY | SPRING EDITION 2020 | 23 Blakehurst Hurstville Kogarah Bay Mortdale Peakhurst

Sam Elmir Vince Badalati Stephen Agius Con Hindi Kevin Greene 0410 654 310 0411 745 255 0419 556 023 Deputy Mayor Mayor selmir vbadalati sagius 0408 383 783 9330 6020 @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au chindi kgreene @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Sandy Grekas Nancy Liu Nick Katris Lou Konjarski Rita Kastanias 0424 617 831 0400 681 188 0419 402 191 0421 188 896 0416 009 695 sgrekas nliu nkatris Lkonjarski rkastanias @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Kathryn Landsberry Christina Wu Leesha Payor Warren Tegg Colleen Symington 0419 984 934 0400 241 851 9330 6296 0427 671 666 0409 546 202 klandsberry cwu lpayor wtegg csymington @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au @georgesriver.nsw.gov.au

Calendar of Council Meetings In accordance with resolution of Council, all Ordinary Council Meetings 28 September 2020 - Council meeting are scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month at Georges River Civic 26 October 2020 - Council meeting Centre, cnr Dora and MacMahon Streets Hurstville, commencing at 7.00pm. 23 November 2020 - Council meeting Extraordinary Council meetings are called when required

CONTACT Phone: 9330 6400 Georges River Civic Centre After-hours Customer Service Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville available at Hurstville Library 24 hours, 7 days a week Open: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday 5.00pm - 9.00pm, Monday to Friday www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au 9.30am - 4.00pm, Saturday and f georgesrivercouncil Clive James Library and Service Centre Sunday Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street i @grcouncil Open: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday & [email protected] Language Assistance Service

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